The Ravens control their own division title fate
The first step of retaining AFC North division title destiny for the Baltimore Ravens was defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday. Had the Ravens lost against the Steelers, it was all over. But with a sound 34-17 victory, the Ravens prevailed and gave themselves a significant chance to have everything ahead of them by the time they kicked off at 4:30 p.m. ET, as the Steelers faced the Kansas City Chiefs.
The next thing they needed was one more loss for the Steelers, which was delivered by the Chiefs to the tune of a 29-10 win. Now, the Ravens hold their own fate in repeating as AFC North champions.
Simply, if the Ravens win their final two regular season games — Christmas Day at Houston Texans and against the Cleveland Browns in Week 18 — they win the division.
Current AFC North Standings
- Baltimore Ravens 10-5
- Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
- Cincinnati Bengals 7-8
- Cleveland Browns 3-12
The margin for error is slim. If the Ravens drop one of their final two games, they no longer control their own destiny. They’d need the Steelers to also lose to the Bengals in Week 18.
Ravens Win Division If
- WIN against Texans AND Browns
- Win against EITHER Texans or Browns + Steelers LOSS vs. Bengals
Ravens Lose Division If
- Ravens LOSS to Texans + Steelers WIN vs. Bengals
- Ravens LOSS to Browns + Steelers WIN vs. Bengals
Win and the division crown remains in Baltimore.